Packer's Crown Group said the project was scrapped and that it was his (Packer's) wish to respect the new Sri Lanka government's policy on casino investment.

Packer's decision comes three days after the government decided to stop three companies from operating casinos or gambling centres in the country.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe told Parliament on January 30 that Lake Leisure, Waterfront Properties and Queensbury Leisure will have their licences to operate casinos and gaming centres cancelled while the three companies will be free to conduct the rest of their business ventures in the country.